The president of the Grand Prix Drivers’ Association (GPDA), Alexander Wurz, has revealed the major engine change that most drivers are calling for to return to a more natural driving style.
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Before the start of the 2026 Formula 1 season, the technical regulations of the sport underwent a radical overhaul.
Since this year, the cars are smaller, lighter, and more dependent on electric power. These changes were made to encourage closer racing on the track.
Beware of fan perception
However, fans and drivers have expressed concerns after testing the new rules, with some even comparing these changes to the sensations of “Mario Kart”. Furthermore, four-time world champion Max Verstappen is reportedly considering leaving F1, calling the new rules anti-racing.
Wurz reveals the rule change that most drivers want: at the very least, adjusting the deployment of electric energy so that the power generated is smoother, favoring traditional driving to move away from the concept of energy management that causes potentially dangerous situations, as seen with Oliver Bearman in Japan.
During a recent episode of the podcast Lift and Roast, Wurz indicated that the majority of drivers are calling for a major modification of the regulations.
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Preference for naturally aspirated engines
The GPDA president, however, acknowledged that this could be difficult to implement in the current context.
“F1 is a full-speed sport, I believe most drivers – I don’t want to say all – would very much like us to return to traditional combustion engines, Wurz confided. Of course, we live in today’s world, but with synthetic or sustainable fuels, we can fully meet the requirements of sustainability and environmental respect. We are a global sport, and we have the right to exist in the long term.”
No say in the matter
Drivers like Lewis Hamilton have expressed regret that drivers have no voting rights during key meetings on engine rules. They fear that decisions are made solely by engineers, manufacturers, and FIA officials, without taking direct on-track experience into account.
The drivers worry that rushed or too many changes create inefficient solutions, reduce performance, or increase technical complexity. Hamilton spoke of “too many cooks in the kitchen,” highlighting the risk of an overly fragmented approach.
They also fear that certain modifications favor certain manufacturers or disrupt the current balance of the championship, making racing less fair. Most drivers prefer continuity in the rules to be able to develop their skills and strategies around reliable and predictable engines, rather than being faced with major annual changes.
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